A control circuit and a control method for a power converter are provided. The power converter includes a plurality of resonant tanks and a plurality of switches disposed between an input terminal and an output terminal. The switches correspond to a first mode and a second mode, respectively, and the control circuit includes a first switch control circuit, a first zero current detection circuit, a second zero current detection circuit, a first switch off detector, a modulation time calculation module, a second switch control circuit, a third zero current detection circuit, a fourth zero current detection circuit, and a second switch off detector. The control circuit uses a plurality of zero current detection circuits to perform time modulations on a plurality of rectifier switches in the switches.
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1. A control method for a power converter including a plurality of resonant tanks and a plurality of switches arranged between an input terminal and an output terminal, the plurality of switches corresponding to a first mode and a second mode, respectively, the input terminal receiving an input voltage, and the control method comprising: configuring a first switch control circuit to control the plurality of switches corresponding to the first mode to be turned on in the first mode, so as to form a first resonant current along a first resonant path and a second resonant current along a second resonant path through the plurality of resonant tanks, respectively, wherein the plurality of switches include a first rectifier switch located on the first resonant path and a second rectifier switch located on the second resonant path; configuring a first zero current detection circuit to detect the first resonant current on the first rectifier switch, and output, in response to detecting that the first resonant current reaches zero amp, a first zero current signal to enable the first switch control circuit to control the first rectifier switch to be turned off; configuring a second zero current detection circuit to detect the second resonant current on the second rectifier switch, and output, in response to detecting that the second resonant current reaches zero amp, a second zero current signal to enable the first switch control circuit to control the second rectifier switch to be turned off; configuring a first switch off detector to detect whether or not the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are both turned off, and output, in response to the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch being both turned off, a first turn-off confirmation signal; configuring a modulation time calculation module to calculate a first modulation time according to a feedback voltage from the output terminal; configuring the modulation time calculation module to, in response to receiving the first turn-off confirmation signal, output a second mode activation signal after the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are turned off and the first modulation time has elapsed; configuring a second switch control circuit to, in response to receiving the second mode activation signal, control the plurality of switches corresponding to the second mode to be turned on, so as to form a third resonant current along a third resonant path and a fourth resonant current along a fourth resonant path through the plurality of resonant tanks, respectively, wherein the plurality of switches include a third rectifier switch located on the third resonant path and a fourth rectifier switch located on the fourth resonant path; configuring a third zero current detection circuit to detect the third resonant current on the third rectifier switch, and output, in response to detecting that the third resonant current reaches zero amp, a third zero current signal to enable the second switch control circuit to control the third rectifier switch to be turned off; configuring a fourth zero current detection circuit to detect the fourth resonant current on the fourth rectifier switch, and output, in response to detecting that the fourth resonant current reaches zero amp, a fourth zero current signal to enable the second switch control circuit to control the fourth rectifier switch to be turned off; configuring a second switch off detector to detect whether or not the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch are both turned off, and output, in response to the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch being both turned off, a second turn-off confirmation signal; configuring the modulation time calculation module to calculate a second modulation time according to the feedback voltage from the output terminal; and configuring the modulation time calculation module to, in response to receiving the second turn-off confirmation signal, output a first mode activation signal after the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch are turned off and the second modulation time has elapsed.
Power conversion technology. This invention addresses the control of power converters that utilize multiple resonant tanks and switches to convert input voltage to output voltage. The challenge is to efficiently manage the switching of these components to achieve desired output characteristics. The control method involves operating the power converter in two distinct modes. In a first mode, a first switch control circuit activates specific switches to establish resonant currents through the resonant tanks. Zero current detection circuits monitor these currents on rectifier switches. When a resonant current on a rectifier switch reaches zero, a corresponding zero current signal is generated, enabling the first switch control circuit to turn off that rectifier switch. A switch off detector confirms when both rectifier switches in the first mode are off, generating a turn-off confirmation signal. A modulation time calculation module, using feedback voltage from the output, calculates a first modulation time. Upon receiving the turn-off confirmation signal, this module outputs a second mode activation signal after the first modulation time has passed. In the second mode, a second switch control circuit activates a different set of switches, creating new resonant currents. Similar to the first mode, zero current detection circuits monitor these currents on their respective rectifier switches. Once both rectifier switches in the second mode are confirmed to be off by a second switch off detector, a second turn-off confirmation signal is generated. The modulation time calculation module then calculates a second modulation time based on the output feedback voltage. Upon receiving the second turn-off confirmation signal, it outputs a first mode activation signal after the seco
2. The control method according to claim 1 , further comprising: configuring the first switch control circuit to, in response to receiving the first turn-off confirmation signal, control the switches other than the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch among the plurality of switches corresponding to the first mode to be turned off within the first modulation time after the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are turned off.
This invention relates to a control method for a power conversion system, specifically for managing switch configurations in a multi-mode power converter. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable switching between different operating modes in power converters, particularly to minimize power loss and ensure stable operation during mode transitions. The method involves a power converter with multiple switches that can operate in at least two modes, such as a first mode and a second mode. The first mode involves a set of switches, including a first rectifier switch and a second rectifier switch, that are controlled to turn off in response to a first turn-off confirmation signal. The method further includes configuring a first switch control circuit to turn off all other switches (excluding the first and second rectifier switches) within a first modulation time after the rectifier switches are turned off. This ensures that the transition between modes is smooth and that power loss is minimized during the switch-off process. The second mode may involve a different set of switches, and the method ensures that the transition between modes does not cause instability or excessive power dissipation. The control method optimizes the timing and sequence of switch operations to enhance efficiency and reliability in power conversion systems.
3. The control method according to claim 1 , further comprising: configuring the second switch control circuit to, in response to receiving the second turn-off confirmation signal, control the switches other than the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch among the plurality of switches corresponding to the second mode to be turned off within the second modulation time after the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch are turned off.
This invention relates to a control method for a power conversion system, specifically for managing switch configurations in a multi-mode converter to improve efficiency and performance. The system includes a plurality of switches that can be operated in different modes, such as a first mode and a second mode, where each mode corresponds to a distinct switch configuration. The method involves controlling these switches to transition between modes while minimizing power loss and ensuring stable operation. In the second mode, the method configures a second switch control circuit to handle the turn-off sequence of the switches. When a second turn-off confirmation signal is received, the control circuit ensures that all switches, except for a third rectifier switch and a fourth rectifier switch, are turned off within a defined second modulation time. This sequence ensures that the third and fourth rectifier switches remain active longer, allowing for smoother power transfer and reduced switching losses. The method optimizes the timing of switch transitions to enhance efficiency and reliability in power conversion applications.
4. The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the modulation time calculation module includes a first calculation unit and a second calculation unit, and the control method further comprises: configuring the first calculation unit to calculate the first modulation time according to the feedback voltage, and output, in response to receiving the first turn-off confirmation signal, the second mode activation signal after the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are turned off and the first modulation time has elapsed; and configuring the second calculation unit to calculate the second modulation time according to the feedback voltage, and output, in response to receiving the second turn-off confirmation signal, the first mode activation signal after the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch are turned off and the second modulation time has elapsed.
This invention relates to a control method for a power conversion system, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing switch transitions in a rectifier circuit to minimize power loss and improve system stability. The method involves a modulation time calculation module that dynamically adjusts timing based on feedback voltage to ensure proper switch sequencing. The modulation time calculation module includes two calculation units. The first calculation unit determines a first modulation time based on the feedback voltage and, upon receiving a first turn-off confirmation signal, activates a second mode after the first and second rectifier switches are turned off and the first modulation time has elapsed. Similarly, the second calculation unit calculates a second modulation time from the feedback voltage and, upon receiving a second turn-off confirmation signal, activates a first mode after the third and fourth rectifier switches are turned off and the second modulation time has elapsed. This ensures synchronized and optimized switch transitions, reducing power dissipation and enhancing system reliability. The method dynamically adapts to varying operating conditions, improving efficiency and performance in power conversion applications.
5. The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the modulation time calculation module includes a third calculation unit and a phase shifter, and the control method further comprises: configuring the third calculation unit to: continuously calculate and update a total modulation time based on the feedback voltage; and sample the total modulation time calculated when the switches corresponding to the first mode are turned on, take one-half of the total modulation time as a time point at which the switches corresponding to the second mode are turned on, take the total modulation time as a time point at which the switches corresponding to the first mode are turned on to enter the first mode of a next cycle, and correspondingly generate a time modulation signal; configuring the phase shifter to, in response to receiving the time modulation signal, generate a phase shifted control signal according to one-half of the total modulation time as the second mode activation signal, to turn on the switches corresponding to the second mode after the switches corresponding to the first mode are turned on and the half of the total modulation time elapses, and after the third calculation unit receives the first turn-off confirmation signal; and configuring the third calculation unit to use the time modulation signal as the first mode activation signal after the switches corresponding to the switches corresponding to the first mode are turned on and the total modulation time elapses, and after the third calculation unit receives the second turn-off confirmation signal, to turn on the switches corresponding to the first mode to enter the first mode of the next cycle.
This invention relates to a control method for a power conversion system, specifically for managing switch activation in a multi-mode converter. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently coordinating switch transitions between different operating modes to optimize power conversion performance. The method involves a modulation time calculation module with a third calculation unit and a phase shifter. The third calculation unit continuously calculates and updates a total modulation time based on a feedback voltage. It samples this time when switches in the first mode are active, using half of this time to determine when to activate switches in the second mode. The total modulation time itself dictates when the first mode switches are reactivated for the next cycle. The phase shifter generates a phase-shifted control signal based on the half-time value, ensuring the second mode switches activate after the first mode switches and after a half-time delay. The third calculation unit also uses the time modulation signal to reactivate the first mode switches after the full modulation time elapses, completing the cycle. This approach ensures precise timing control between modes, improving efficiency and stability in power conversion systems.
6. A control circuit for a power converter including a plurality of resonant tanks and a plurality of switches arranged between an input terminal and an output terminal, the plurality of switches corresponding to a first mode and a second mode, respectively, the input terminal receiving an input voltage, and the control circuit comprising: a first switch control circuit configured to control the plurality of switches corresponding to the first mode to be turned on in the first mode, so as to form a first resonant current along a first resonant path and a second resonant current along a second resonant path through the plurality of resonant tanks, respectively, wherein the plurality of switches include a first rectifier switch located on the first resonant path and a second rectifier switch located on the second resonant path; a first zero current detection circuit configured to detect the first resonant current on the first rectifier switch, and output, in response to detecting that the first resonant current reaches zero amp, a first zero current signal to enable the first switch control circuit to control the first rectifier switch to be turned off; a second zero current detection circuit configured to detect the second resonant current on the second rectifier switch, and output, in response to detecting that the second resonant current reaches zero amp, a second zero current signal to enable the first switch control circuit to control the second rectifier switch to be turned off; a first switch off detector configured to detect whether or not the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are both turned off, and output, in response to the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch being both turned off, a first turn-off confirmation signal; a modulation time calculation module configured to calculate a first modulation time according to a feedback voltage from the output terminal, and output, in response to receiving the first turn-off confirmation signal, a second mode activation signal after the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are turned off and the first modulation time has elapsed; a second switch control circuit configured to, in response to receiving the second mode activation signal, control the plurality of switches corresponding to the second mode to be turned on, so as to form a third resonant current along a third resonant path and a fourth resonant current along a fourth resonant path through the plurality of resonant tanks, respectively, wherein the plurality of switches include a third rectifier switch located on the third resonant path and a fourth rectifier switch located on the fourth resonant path; a third zero current detection circuit configured to detect the third resonant current on the third rectifier switch, and output, in response to detecting that the third resonant current reaches zero amp, a third zero current signal to enable the second switch control circuit to control the third rectifier switch to be turned off; a fourth zero current detection circuit configured to detect the fourth resonant current on the fourth rectifier switch, and output, in response to detecting that the second resonant current reaches zero amp, a fourth zero current signal to enable the second switch control circuit to control the fourth rectifier switch to be turned off; and a second switch off detector configured to detect whether or not the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch are both turned off, and output, in response to the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch being both turned off, a second turn-off confirmation signal; wherein the modulation time calculation module configured to calculate a second modulation time according to the feedback voltage from the output terminal, and output, in response to receiving the second turn-off confirmation signal, a first mode activation signal after the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch are turned off and the second modulation time has elapsed.
A control circuit for a power converter manages multiple resonant tanks and switches between an input and output terminal. The converter operates in two modes, each with distinct resonant paths. In the first mode, a first switch control circuit activates switches to create first and second resonant currents through respective resonant paths, each containing a rectifier switch. Zero current detection circuits monitor these currents and signal the control circuit to turn off the rectifier switches when current reaches zero. A switch off detector confirms both rectifier switches are off and triggers a modulation time calculation module, which determines a delay based on output feedback voltage before activating the second mode. The second switch control circuit then activates switches for the second mode, generating third and fourth resonant currents through different paths with additional rectifier switches. Similar zero current detection and switch off detection processes occur, and the modulation time calculation module determines another delay before reactivating the first mode. This alternating mode operation ensures efficient power conversion with minimal switching losses by precisely timing switch activations and deactivations based on resonant current conditions and output feedback.
7. The control circuit according to claim 6 , wherein the first switch control circuit is further configured to, in response to receiving the first turn-off confirmation signal, control the switches other than the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch among the plurality of switches corresponding to the first mode to be turned off within the first modulation time after the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are turned off.
This invention relates to control circuits for power conversion systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing switch transitions in multi-mode power converters. The system includes a control circuit that regulates a plurality of switches to operate in different modes, such as buck, boost, or buck-boost configurations. The control circuit ensures smooth transitions between these modes by coordinating the timing of switch turn-off operations. In one mode, the control circuit receives a turn-off confirmation signal and, in response, turns off all switches except for two rectifier switches. The remaining switches are then turned off sequentially within a defined modulation time after the rectifier switches are deactivated. This staggered turn-off approach minimizes power loss and reduces voltage spikes during mode transitions, improving overall system efficiency and reliability. The control circuit dynamically adjusts switch timing based on operational conditions, ensuring optimal performance across varying load and input conditions. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high efficiency and fast transient response, such as DC-DC converters in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and portable electronics.
8. The control circuit according to claim 6 , wherein the second switch control circuit is further configured to, in response to receiving the second turn-off confirmation signal, control the switches other than the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch among the plurality of switches corresponding to the second mode to be turned off within the second modulation time after the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch are turned off.
This invention relates to a control circuit for a power converter, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing switch transitions during mode changes to minimize power loss and improve conversion performance. The control circuit operates in multiple modes, including a second mode where a plurality of switches are selectively activated or deactivated to regulate power flow. In this mode, the circuit includes a second switch control circuit that generates turn-off signals for the switches. When a second turn-off confirmation signal is received, the second switch control circuit ensures that all switches, except for a third rectifier switch and a fourth rectifier switch, are turned off within a defined second modulation time after the third and fourth rectifier switches are deactivated. This staggered turn-off approach prevents simultaneous switching, reducing transient losses and improving efficiency. The third and fourth rectifier switches remain active longer to maintain continuous power flow during the transition, ensuring stable operation. The control circuit dynamically adjusts switch timing to optimize performance based on operating conditions, enhancing reliability and energy efficiency in power conversion applications.
9. The control circuit according to claim 6 , wherein the modulation time calculation module includes a first calculation unit and a second calculation unit, and the first calculation unit is configured to calculate the first modulation time according to the feedback voltage, and output, in response to receiving the first turn-off confirmation signal, the second mode activation signal after the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are turned off and the first modulation time has elapsed; wherein the second calculation unit is configured to calculate the second modulation time according to the feedback voltage, and output, in response to receiving the second turn-off confirmation signal, the first mode activation signal after the third rectifier switch and the fourth rectifier switch are turned off and the second modulation time has elapsed.
A control circuit for managing power conversion systems, particularly in applications requiring precise timing control of rectifier switches, addresses the challenge of efficiently regulating output voltage by dynamically adjusting modulation times based on feedback voltage. The circuit includes a modulation time calculation module with two calculation units. The first calculation unit determines a first modulation time based on the feedback voltage and, upon receiving a first turn-off confirmation signal, generates a second mode activation signal after the first and second rectifier switches are turned off and the first modulation time has elapsed. Similarly, the second calculation unit calculates a second modulation time from the feedback voltage and, upon receiving a second turn-off confirmation signal, outputs a first mode activation signal after the third and fourth rectifier switches are turned off and the second modulation time has elapsed. This dual-unit design ensures synchronized and adaptive control of rectifier switches, optimizing power conversion efficiency and stability by dynamically responding to voltage feedback. The system enhances performance in applications such as switched-mode power supplies or motor drives where precise timing and voltage regulation are critical.
10. The control circuit according to claim 6 , wherein the modulation time calculation module includes a third calculation unit and a phase shifter, and the third calculation unit is configured to continuously calculate and update a total modulation time based on the feedback voltage, sample the total modulation time calculated when the switches corresponding to the first mode are turned on, take one-half of the total modulation time as a time point at which the switches corresponding to the second mode are turned on, take the total modulation time as a time point at which the switches corresponding to the first mode are turned on to enter the first mode of a next cycle, and correspondingly generate a time modulation signal; wherein the phase shifter is configured to, in response to receiving the time modulation signal, generate a phase shifted control signal according to one-half of the total modulation time as the second mode activation signal, to turn on the switches corresponding to the second mode after the switches corresponding to the first mode are turned on and the half of the total modulation time elapses, and after the third calculation unit receives the first turn-off confirmation signal, and wherein the third calculation unit is further configured to use the time modulation signal as the first mode activation signal after the switches corresponding to the switches corresponding to the first mode are turned on and the total modulation time elapses, and after the third calculation unit receives the second turn-off confirmation signal, to turn on the switches corresponding to the first mode to enter the first mode of the next cycle.
A control circuit for managing switch activation in a power conversion system addresses the challenge of optimizing switching sequences to improve efficiency and performance. The circuit includes a modulation time calculation module with a third calculation unit and a phase shifter. The third calculation unit continuously calculates and updates a total modulation time based on a feedback voltage. It samples this time when switches in a first mode are activated, then uses half of this time to determine when switches in a second mode should turn on. The total modulation time itself dictates when the first mode switches should activate for the next cycle. The phase shifter receives the time modulation signal from the third calculation unit and generates a phase-shifted control signal to activate the second mode switches after the first mode switches have been on for half the total modulation time. The third calculation unit also uses the time modulation signal to activate the first mode switches for the next cycle after the full modulation time elapses and a turn-off confirmation signal is received. This ensures precise timing control between the first and second mode switches, enhancing system efficiency and stability.
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January 13, 2021
March 1, 2022
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